Where to see Red Squirrels
We are so lucky here in northern England to have reds. They can still be seen in the wild in many areas…if you are lucky! They are more common though in certain parts of the north than others. Below are some of the places where you stand a good chance of catching a glimpse…
cumbria
Smardale Nature Reserve Near Kirkby Stephen
Stunning scenery surrounds the steep wooded slopes of Smardale Gill. Red squirrels can be seen racing between the trees. Only 10 years ago, reds were almost extinct here following an influx of greys. Thankfully reds are now once again thriving.
Whinlatter Forest Park Keswick
Whinlatter Red Squirrel Experience in the Visitor Centre. Red Squirrels can also be seen within the forest on any of the forest walks
Dodd Wood. Keswick
Towering above Bassenthwaite Lake, this Forestry Commission woodland offers fantastic views. Red squirrels can be seen on the feeders just below the osprey viewing platform.
National Trust Allan Bank Grasmere
Beautiful woodland walk with good chances of seeing reds.
The Haweswater Hotel, Bampton
Reds are regularly fed by hotel staff on the grounds.
Squirrels Pantry Tearoom Cockermouth
Red squirrel feeders and delicious tea and cakes.
Alston Youth Hostel Alston
4-5 red squirrels seen daily – almost guaranteed viewing!
Shap Wells Hotel, Shap
Reds regularly visit feeders just a short walk from the hotel car park.
Aira Force Ullswater
northumberland
Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum Alnwick
Approximately 11,000 trees and shrubs in 65 acres of woodland with red squirrels too.
Hareshaw Linn Northumberland National Park, nr Bellingham
Fantastic waterfall walk with reds in woodland.
Hauxley nr Amble
Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve on the east coast, reds often seen on the feeder adjacent to the car park.
Wallington Cambo, nr Morpeth
National Trust property with red squirrels regularly seen at the bird hides.
county durham
An award-winning museum with red squirrels in the grounds. A great family day out.
An SSSI overlooking Derwent Reservoir. Lots to see here, including red squirrels
merseyside
Stunning coastline with large areas of beaches, sand dunes and pine woods where reds live.
north yorkshire
Red Squirrel Hide nr Hawes
Simon Phillpott’s purpose-built red squirrel hide – a great opportunity to get the perfect red squirrel photo. There is a charge for using the hide.
Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail Widdale, Wensleydale
A dedicated red squirrel viewing area. With luck, you may also see roe deer, along with a variety of woodland birds such as siskin, lesser redpoll and perhaps even a common crossbill.